In a testament to how much more important the December early signing period is than the February signing day in today’s college football, just two of the top 247 players on 247Sports’ composite rankings entered the week of signing day without having chosen a school.

One of those players is offensive tackle Ty Haywood.

Haywood was initially committed to Alabama but decommitted from the Crimson Tide last month. Michigan built plenty of momentum in the aftermath, but the Wolverines are still waiting for the offensive lineman to officially become a part of their class.

He is a 4-star prospect and the No. 39 overall player in the 2025 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, so it would be a key development for Michigan if it was able to hold off the likes of Florida State and others.

Elsewhere, another decommit from a powerhouse program opened the door for other suitors.

Defensive end Zahir Mathis decommitted from Ohio State in November and is yet to decide where he will take his talents at the next level. He is a 4-star prospect and the No. 12 edge rusher in his class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, and is talented enough to slot into a rotation as soon as his freshman season.

Maryland was able to get Mathis on campus for a late visit ahead of signing day, so the Terrapins could be sitting in ideal position. Florida State and UCLA could make late pushes, but Maryland has a chance to put quite the finishing touch on a solid overall class.